On a list of the most dangerous distractions while driving, cell phone usage is at the top, coming in above tuning the radio and eating while driving, and this isn't a behavior limited just to teenaged drivers, either.

In fact driving while on the phone is so dangerous, that a UK insurer, Allianz Insurance, is poised to increase their premiums by 30%, whenever people filing accident claims are caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

In the past, says Allianz, drivers convicted for using their phones while driving generally faced the same kinds of premium increases as those received for routine speeding tickets, but they've decided to treat mobile phone use as equal to a dangerous driving conviction instead.

Allianz Insurance motor manager Nick Walker explains, "Increasing premiums for drivers with mobile phone convictions reinforces the fact that this is a dangerous and needless act."

He continues, "If you are convicted of using a mobile phone while driving, not only do you face a fine and points on your license, you will also suffer the added financial burden of increased motor insurance."

A survey of 3,000 British motorists discovered that 56% of those queried said they saw someone using their cell phone while driving ever day, and 10% more confessed to using their own mobile phones without a hands-free kit while they were driving.

If you think this increase in premiums is limited to just Allianz, or just the UK, consider that more and more states within the US are restricting cell phone use for drivers, requiring hands-free kits, or total non-use. As more and more accidents refer to driving while chatting as a causative factor, higher premiums are likely here, as well.